Follow-up of patients with haematological malignancies and their families in regional, rural and remote Queensland: the GPs' perspective

In rural areas of Australia the range of health services is limited and maj or inequities exist in health care provision. Consequently, general practit ioners (GPs) are forced to play a pivotal role as key providers of health a nd medical services. Patients with a haematological malignancy returning ho me from the lengthy ordeal of high-tech specialist treatment in the metropo litan area will have a strong need for competent holistic support. For thes e patients and their families, establishing a positive relationship with th e local GP will be an important factor in their post-treatment rehabilitati on. The findings presented in this article are from recent Queensland resea rch that looks at the support provided by GPs in regional, rural, and remot e areas for patients with a haematological malignancy after they return hom e from specialist treatment in the metropolitan area. The findings indicate the need for support and education for GPs coping with such patients. News letters and telephone contact are recorded as the most popular means of sup port by the GPs surveyed.